Identifying the Progress of Parkinson’s Symptoms in Stages

Learn about each stage of Parkinson’s and the symptoms associated with it.

Parkinson’s is a progressive, incurable disease, which means that the symptoms become more pronounced and worsen over time. The onset and progress of Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the presence of a number of symptoms and early warning signs. Some of these symptoms may be nonspecific such as fatigue, shoulder pain or localized aches. Other specific symptoms include:

Resting tremors, which start on one side of the body first and then progress to both sides. Tremors are most obvious in the arms and hands, but may be seen in the legs, head or jaw area too. In general, activity, stress or fatigue worsens the tremors, and resting is known to improve the condition to a certain extent.

Stiffness or rigidity accompanied with pain and cramps often results in lack of balance and limping while walking.

Mild depression and memory difficulties are also common symptoms.

Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease which progresses in stages characterized by the appearance and worsening of certain symptoms. Most Parkinson’s doctors who specialize in treating this brain disorder use the Hoehn and Yahr rating scale to define the symptoms, their severity and the stage of progression of the disease.

Stage 1 – Mild Parkinson’s

At this earliest level of Parkinson’s, it is possible that most of the mild symptoms are dismissed as anomalies or missed altogether. Any tremors or movement problems are generally limited to one side of the body during the first stage of the disease. The symptoms present are mild, and not pronounced enough to actually affect the day-to-day living and activities of the patient. At this initial stage, family and friends may notice minor changes such as slightly imbalanced gait, rigid facial expressions and poor posture.

Stage 2 – Moderate Parkinson’s

Considered the moderate stage of Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms become more visible and pronounced during the second stage. Affecting the patient bilaterally i.e. on both sides of the body, symptoms like stiffness, trembling and tremors become noticeable. The completion of normal physical tasks takes much longer than usual due to muscular stiffness. Speech difficulties and changes in cadence also become noticeable during this stage.

The progression of Parkinson’s from stage 1 to stage 2 may take a long time, several months or even a few years. The speed at which the disease progresses differs from individual to individual.

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